And what will your 2017 resolution be? Actors, writers and leaders open up on their personal and national hopes

As the clock strikes midnight tonight people will be cracking open champagne bottles and celebrating the end of 2016. And with an end, always comes a new beginning.

For many, a new year means an opportunity to recalibrate, to look and the progress they’ve made in the past 365 days, and outline their priorities for those to come.

MaltaToday asked some of Malta’s most prominent figures what their New Year resolutions were and what changes they would like to see. The results may surprise you – despite coming from very different fields, it seems most people have quite similar visions for 2017 …

Taryn Mamo Cefai, actress

Taryn Mamo Cefai

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

Not to have a New Year’s resolution! I never stick with them anyway. If anything, maybe be more present because I’m always not enjoying the moment. It’s such an actor thing to say, but it’s true. Time is our greatest luxury, slow down, enjoy it and be grateful for what you have. I guess that's my resolution. *Giggles*

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

More compassion. It might sound cliché but every day people are suffering worldwide and there’s not near enough being done to help them, it’s sad. Let’s help love win this year and be a bit more compassionate towards others, be them family or strangers - you never know when a gesture could change someone's day.

Ira Losco, singer

Ira Losco

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

My personal resolution will be to do everything which is important to me, to my best capability. I will be the best artist I can be, the best partner that I can be, the best person that I can be and the best mother to my little Harry that I can be. Hopefully 2017 will be as good as 2016 was to me if not better. *Smile face* I take every year as a learning curve to better myself in all aspects of my life and also to further explore and enjoy what it gives me.

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

I would love to not watch children being made orphans, losing their homes or worse still their lives, because of war. It is always the innocent who suffer at the hands of those above hungry for power. I sincerely hope that 2017 brings some comfort to those who are suffering.

Ben Camille, actor, model & presenters

Ben Camille

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

This coming year I am looking forward to be working hand in hand with Her Excellency, the President of Malta, who does so much good for our community, as one of her ambassadors representing the Malta Community Chest Fund and solidarity for the Maltese and Gozitan public in general. After the success we had in 2016, I will also be continuing to offer my service and school visits to local schools to fight a number of sensitive struggles amongst young children and teens such as bullying, eating disorders and so on. 2017 is going to be a year all about 'paying it forward'. Of course, my support for animals will continue too! *Smile face*

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

As cliché as it may sound, I want to see peace, more love, respect and acceptance in general. I wish to see less world tragedy starting from big scale tragedies on an international scale like we are seeing in Syria right now to other local important issues including gay rights, animal rights (such as the 2 meter chain issue) and simply being less judgmental and more open to accept one another in general.

Moira Delia, TV host & producer

Moira Delia

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

As a new year resolution, I have absolutely none other then to keep doing what I’m doing – in helping the ones in need, which are mostly, as everyone knows, animals.

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

I honestly hope that people who do not respect life itself learn the important meaning of life and learn how to love and respect it! It hurts to see certain people and cultures who have not yet learnt this! As Europeans, we have grown in a nation where these three words mean the world to us and I pray that all the good will be greater than the evil we are surrounded with.

Immanuel Mifsud, author

Immanuel Mifsud

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

I never make resolutions, but for the coming year I've decided to concentrate more on my work and less on things which I don't really enjoy doing. For the past couple of years I put on hold many of my projects to do things which, at the end of the day, gave me little to no satisfaction. So, from the coming year more time for my projects and ideas.

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

*Sarcastic laugh* Unfortunately the things I like to see happening or change are not within my power. And I know that the people who can make these changes are not interested.

Leanne Ellul, author

Leanne Ellul

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

I’ve decided to do what I love in a better way. To read better, to write better, to laugh better ...

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

I would like to remove "un" from "unfair," "unjust" and "unkind."

Keith Demicoli, journalist

Keith Demicoli

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

Resolutions often fail because they're unreasonable or unrealistic. Thus, setting goals that are achievable is surely my number one priority for 2017. With that in mind, I can work on two specific resolutions: dedicate at least an hour a week to reconnect with at least one person I haven't seen for a long time (except for sending a quick 'Happy Birthday message on Facebook!) and learn a new skill or language.

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

Hopefully more and more people would realise that life is short and small changes can pave the way for bigger changes. For instance, one small change that can make a significant personal impact is putting down your smartphone and look the other person in the eye.

Janice Bartolo, journalist

Janice Bartolo

What will your personal resolution for the new year be?

My personal resolution is to find more time to do things I enjoy - it's been a very busy 2016!

On a less personal note, what is one thing you would like to see happening or change in 2017?

Nobody deserves to be humiliated or attacked because of choices they have made in their personal life. Public figures should be scrutinised. They must engage in good behaviour and serve as an example. This does not mean they should be subject to a barrage of hatred and humiliation. I would like to see change in this regard; no parent should fear the eventuality of their child reading outright lies about them. Freedom of speech is paramount and I would like to see it used more responsibly. I believe this transcends political and religious beliefs. I would like to see more awareness raised on this and I intend to actively pursue this point in the coming year.